Delta, the oldest operating airline in the United States and the third-largest airline in the world, will connect its hub in Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh with a non-stop flight beginning October 2026.
The non-stop service strengthens the growing flow of commerce and investment between the US and Saudi Arabia and supports long-term economic collaboration across the region. Delta will become the first US carrier with a direct link to the Saudi capital.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, said: “Launching service to Riyadh marks a key step in Delta’s global growth as we start our second century of flight. Our new flights will connect customers to this dynamic, fast-growing region while delivering the care, comfort and reliability they expect. It reflects our bold vision to create meaningful opportunities and experiences in every corner of the world in the years ahead.”
At the Fortune Global Forum in Riyadh, Bastian said: “We’ve had a dark spot on our map, which is called the Middle East. Riyadh is actually the home of where real wealth and real opportunity resides in the Middle East. That’s where we’re going. That’s why we’re coming here.”
In a statement, Delta called Riyadh “a gateway to a culture rich with history and alive with possibility”.
The new direct international flight highlights Riyadh’s global appeal and strategic importance.
The flight will operate three times weekly on Airbus A350-900, featuring Delta One, with lie-flat seats and chef-curated meals; Delta Premium Select, which has wider seats with deeper recline and enhanced amenities; Delta Comfort with extra legroom and earlier boarding and Delta Main.
Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, added: “We welcome Delta to Riyadh and look forward to the opportunities this service will create for travelers worldwide. Delta’s new nonstop flights between Atlanta and Riyadh mark a significant milestone in strengthening global connectivity between our nations and will open new doors for tourism and cultural exchange while driving business and innovation.”
Bloomberg, quoting Bastian in Riyadh, said Delta is also pressing ahead with its partnership with the new Saudi carrier Riyadh Air and is exploring potential opportunities at the planned King Salman International Airport in Riyadh.
This new route, one of Delta’s longest at over 7,000 miles, will also link customers from Riyadh to the US with easy one-stop access to 150+ cities, offering Saudi travelers a direct bridge to explore the United States.
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